NITES Advocates for Mandatory Work From Home in IT Sector
Push for Remote Work in IT Industry
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NITES) has formally approached the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging the implementation of a directive for mandatory 'Work From Home' (WFH) arrangements. This request specifically targets the IT and IT-enabled services sectors, wherever it is operationally viable. The organization emphasized that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for fuel conservation and minimizing unnecessary travel.
A letter reviewed by a news outlet indicates that the Indian IT sector possesses the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to support national objectives through remote work. During a rally in Hyderabad on Sunday, PM Modi reiterated the importance of habits formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting they could once again aid in conserving fuel and foreign currency.
He stated, 'During the pandemic, we established various systems for remote work, online meetings, and video conferencing, which we have grown accustomed to. The current circumstances demand that we reinstate these practices for the greater good of the nation. We should prioritize work from home, online conferences, and virtual meetings once more.' He further emphasized the need for a collective commitment to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, urging citizens to utilize metro services in cities with such infrastructure and to consider carpooling when necessary.
Additionally, PM Modi advised against international travel during this challenging period, stressing the importance of conserving foreign exchange due to the rising global costs of petrol and diesel. He remarked, 'We must be responsible in saving the foreign currency spent on fuel. The trend of traveling abroad for weddings, vacations, and other purposes is becoming increasingly common among the middle class. We should resolve to postpone such travels for at least a year during this crisis.'
(With contributions from a news source)